China Flexes Military Muscle Around Taiwan, While Some Warn of Another Sort of Attack

Commentary

Amid Chinese military demonstrations near Taiwan, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) raises concerns about alternative forms of aggression. Their report outlines various ways communist China could negatively impact Taiwan through economic and social means, aiming to either influence Taipei or set the stage for military intervention.

The report urges both Washington and Taipei to be prepared for potential economic and social disruptions orchestrated by Beijing. The complex nature of a Chinese takeover goes beyond what is commonly discussed in media commentary, as highlighted by the FDD.

The FDD report identifies vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s interconnectedness within today’s digital economy, suggesting that each point of connection could be exploited by China. In addition to the vulnerability posed by the significant number of Taiwanese individuals living and working in China, the report emphasizes the potential for spreading disinformation to undermine public trust and weaken Taiwan’s resistance to Chinese influence. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, as well as disruptions to business and financial networks, are cited as potential threats by the FDD.

Despite the alarming details in the report, Taiwan has taken steps to mitigate these vulnerabilities, particularly through reducing trade ties with mainland China. The decline in Chinese trade with Taiwan, coupled with increased trade with Southeast Asian countries, demonstrates Taiwan’s efforts to diversify its economic relationships and decrease dependence on China.

Taiwan’s technology firms have also established strong ties with Western and Japanese markets, providing another layer of defense against potential Chinese aggression. The sophistication of these business connections presents a significant advantage for Taiwan and a potential loss for Beijing if any aggressive actions were to occur.

As Taiwan continues to address its vulnerabilities, Beijing must weigh the costs of any potential actions against the island. The economic repercussions and loss of valuable relationships could pose significant challenges for China in the event of a confrontation with Taiwan.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.